Danville Little Johns' coach D. J. Crane knows what it takes to become a college athlete. Crane used to play on the defensive line for Arkansas Tech and will use his wisdom and experience he has learned and pass it on to players as they approach the end of their high school careers as an assistant coach in the 52nd All-Star game in Fayetteville at 7 p.m. June 22.

"I've played defensive line in college and I'll be coaching the defensive linemen, so I can give them [the players] the experience I had as far as playing under some good defensive coordinators at Tech, and hopefully in the short amount of time we have, they can take something out of it," Crane said. "Anytime you get a chance like this you take advantage of it, because you never know what's going to happen."

Crane said it was quite an honor to be selected to the All-Star team. He was humbled and glad he could represent Danville. The Little Johns went 9-3 last season and reached the quarterfinals in the state playoffs under Crane.

"I want to go down there and represent Danville well and in a positive way," Crane said. "I can't wait to coach some really talented athletes, and I get the chance to coach one of my own kids again, so that's always a plus. I really enjoyed coaching those guys [Danville]. It's very exciting and a great honor."

For some of the athletes this All-Star game may be the last time they take the field. The experience the players take from the game is important to take away said Crane, who said he hoped to helped all the players in any way possible and not just with football.

"The first week, you have to figure out how hard you can push certain kids and what works best with them, " Crane said. "If they give some of these kids in these smaller schools a shot, then they'd surprise a lot of people.

"I would say the most important thing about this game is that the kids need to have a good time, and hopefully I'm a good influence on them. Hopefully I can give them a good incite on football and on life as I can while I'm down there. If they play college ball, I can give them some insight since I played at Arkansas Tech and let them know what to expect. I hope they have a good time, good experience, because it's an honor and a privilege to get to play and coach in a game like this."

Coaches put in a lot of time, so making an All-Star appearance was a bonus, Crane said. He will have his nose guard Anthony Truong at the All-Star game along his side. Both Crane and Truong are excited to be together, and Crane said Truong should benefit from the total experience.

"We put in a lot of time away from our families and a lot of time at the office, so anytime you can get something like this it's a bonus," Crane said. "Just going to an All-Star game there will be a lot of coaches there seeing him, and it'll be a good springboard for him as far as showcasing his talent for college coaches.

"There may be a college coach down there that sees his ability and takes a chance on him. For him to go down there and showcase his talent is a wonderful opportunity for him."

Crane said it should be easier for Anthony to adjust to than other players because he's coached Truong. Crane said both he and Truong are excited and grateful for their opportunities.

"I think for Anthony it will definetely be easier. He knows what to expect out of me and I know what to expect out of him and that's a big part of it, the feeling out process," Crane said. "With me and Anthony, I know how to push him, I know what pushes his buttons and gets him fired up and motivated, so it will definetely be an easier transition because he'll be on the defensive line.

"We're extremely excited. Truong has been running, lifting and staying in shape. He's really excited, he's got all of his equipment, he's ready to go down there and just perform. I'm excited for the opportunity to go and I know Anthony is excited also."

The bond between player and coach will come together for Danville in Fayetteville for at least one time. The experience of football and lifelong lessons will be passed on from coach to player as Truong will battle one last game. Crane will add this experience to what he's already accomplished and look to build on helping himself and others for next season.